Christian Horner responds to “embarrassing” Helmut Marko comment after Isack Hadjar crash

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has defended Helmut Marko’s recent comments about Isack Hadjar after his Australian GP crash. 

The rookie Racing Bulls driver crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening race and was seen wiping away tears as he made his way back to the garage. While he was consoled by Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, Marko took an opposing approach, branding the moment as “embarrassing.”

Unsurprisingly, the Red Bull motorsport advisor’s comments were met with significant backlash. When asked by Sky Sports F1 in China if that sort of criticism has a place in 2025, Horner explained:

“Look, Helmut’s 82 years of age. He’s old school. He’s a guy who lost an eye and pulled over the car and just turned the engine off. He will always have his own opinion, which he has the right to. Does everybody share that opinion? No.

“It was very sad to see him that upset. No doubt his team have got around him, but you forget how young they are. He’s 20 years of age, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him. He’ll be fine.”

Hadjar himself acknowledged his mistake. He said to the media at the time:

“I’ve had similar moments, low moments like this. This one is tough, but my way to F1 was also quite brutal. I would say I have a strong chin, but this one definitely hits pretty hard.”

Horner refers to Marko’s racing days. During the 1972 French Grand Prix, the Austrian driver was struck in the eye by a piece of gravel, which had been thrown up by another car. The stone pierced his visor and blinded him in one eye. He lost consciousness but managed to pull the car over beforehand. 

The incident obviously ended Marko’s racing career. Marko has previously explained in the past that he didn’t want to complain for the rest of his life, so moved forward.

“I was in the hospital for two months. One night I recognised that it’s over. I have to look forward. Either I’m complaining for the rest of my life or (moving on) to something else. I moved forward.”